Eco Museum Osashima Center (エコミュージアムおさしまセンター) is an art museum featuring the artworks
of Bikki Sunazawa. It is located at 55 Monomanai in the village of Otoineppu,
Nakagawa District, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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| Eco Museum Osashima Center |
Eco Museum Osashima Center Details
The Eco Museum Osashima Center stands as a testament
to the rich cultural and artistic heritage of Osashima in Hokkaido. Housed in
the restored Osashima Elementary School, which closed its doors in 1978, this
museum served as the creative workspace of celebrated Ainu wood sculptor Bikky
Sunazawa (1931–1989). Officially opened on April 26, 2003, the center
preserves Sunazawa’s legacy while honoring the history of the Osashima area for
future generations.
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| Eco Museum Osashima Center - Otoineppu village, Hokkaido Prefecture |
A Creative Legacy Preserved
After the school’s closure, Bikky Sunazawa transformed the
space into his atelier, where he crafted some of his most iconic large-scale
works. Surrounded by the serene Teshio River and the ever-changing Hokkaido
forests, the location inspired Sunazawa’s creativity. Even after his passing in
1989, the space retains traces of his artistic journey, providing visitors with
a unique glimpse into his life and struggles. Today, the museum is
affectionately called the Bikky Sunazawa Memorial Museum, drawing art
enthusiasts and admirers from across Japan and beyond.
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| This way to the Eco Museum Osashima Center |
Eco Museum Osashima Center Facade
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| Eco Museum Osashima Center facade |
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| Bikky Sunazawa Memorial Museum |
Exhibits and Highlights
The Eco Museum Osashima Center showcases approximately 200
of Sunazawa’s 1,000 masterpieces, ranging from intricate wood carvings to
large-scale sculptures. These works reflect his deep connection to Ainu
culture, nature, and the Osashima area’s rich heritage. Visitors can also
explore Sunazawa’s personal correspondence, adding a personal dimension to his
artistic legacy. The museum’s preservation of the original school structure
adds a nostalgic charm, evoking memories for locals who consider it their
"alma mater."
Eco Museum Osashima Center Exhibits*
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| Bikky Sunazawa |
*I posted only a handful of photos of the exhibits, and I purposely didn't label them so that you would only get a glimpse of what the Eco Museum Osashima Center has to offer. Please visit it and enjoy it with your own eyes.
The Allure of Osashima
Osashima’s natural beauty enhances the museum experience.
With the Teshio River’s gentle curves and lush forests providing a picturesque
backdrop, the area captures the essence of tranquility and inspiration that
defined Sunazawa’s work. Every season brings a unique charm to this secluded
village, making it a year-round destination for art and nature lovers alike.
The workshop in the museum vicinity
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| The bus stop at the museum |
Team Nicerio visits the Eco Museum Osashima Center
On July 17, 2023, my daughter and I visited the Eco Museum
Osashima Center, the final stop of our Father and Daughter Road Trip #5 and our
last destination in Otoineppu. This visit also marked my 623rd day in Japan as
an ALT with the JET Programme. While we aren’t avid art enthusiasts, we
genuinely appreciated Bikky Sunazawa's creations and their role in celebrating
and promoting Ainu culture.
Eco Museum Osashima Center Admission Fee
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| Eco Museum Osashima Center Ticket |
To enter the museum, visitors need to pay 300 yen per adult.
It’s FREE for junior high school students and younger. Otoineppu Village
residents are also FREE to enter.
Eco Museum Osashima Center Opening Period
Eco Museum Osashima is open from April 26th to
October 31st.
During this period, the museum is open from 9:30 AM to 4:30
PM.
The museum is closed every Monday unless it’s a public
holiday. With that being the case, the museum will be closed the following day.
Why Visit the Eco Museum Osashima Center?
The Eco Museum Osashima Center is more than a gallery of
artworks; it’s a living tribute to the artistic legacy of Bikky Sunazawa and
the cultural heritage of Osashima. Whether you are an art lover, a history
enthusiast, or simply seeking inspiration in a serene setting, this museum
offers an enriching and unforgettable experience.
Getting to the Eco Museum Osashima Center
From Wakkanai City, board the JR Soya Main Line bound for
Asahikawa and vice versa. Board down at Osashima Station. Once there, walk for
a few blocks to reach the Eco Museum Osashima Center.
If you are coming from Otoineppu Station, there are free
shuttle buses that go to the museum. Board down at the “3 More” bus stop. Heads up, though, these buses only operate from May to October. For updates, you might
want to check this LINK.
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